The Importance of Pools for Horses

However, for equine athletes swimming programs are becoming a respected and effective means of rehabilitation and conditioning.

Swimming is a non-concussive form of therapy that is especially good for rehabilitation of horses that have limb disease such as arthritis, acute or chronic laminitis, splints, curbs and bruises. Hydrotherapy is also finding a valuable place in the post-operative rehabilitation phase.

Swimming provides horses with a good workout just as it done with humans since it requires additional cardiovascular exertion from the hydrodynamic pressure that is placed on the rib cage and lungs. A strengthening of the heart and lungs occurs when the lungs need to work harder to deliver enough oxygen to the muscles and this doesn’t have the concussive pounding on limbs and joints that occur with land based forms of training and rehabilitation. For horses, swimming is actually the only exercise when they take a deep breath, close their nostrils and forcibly exhale.

However, there are some cautions in order despite the numerous advantages of good swimming programs. The intensity of the exercise can exacerbate back problems. After observing the horses swim patterns a previously undetected problem may become evident. An indicator of a back problem may be a horse with an altered paddling action with their hindquarters dropped instead of a good horizontal movement.

A considerable concern is exhaustion since it could lead to drowning. For this reason swimming therapies should only be offered by professional and experienced horse swimmers. Another good idea is to make sure the water is crystal clear so the horses swimming movements can be monitored to make sure the horse is getting a balanced workout. If a horse is swimming by climbing with their front legs only, by rolling from side to side or by paddling with only one hind leg then unbalanced muscle development could result.

If horses are gradually acclimated to the water their natural swimming abilities will come out and they will become more confident in their abilities. Prepare the horse for swimming by rinsing them with water that is of a similar temperature to the pool to accomplish this. Use a lunge line attached to either one or both sides of the halter to lead the horse to the pool. A horse will either back in or walk down a non-slip padded ramp to get to water level when entering the pool. The horse is encouraged to being swimming by having the ramp drop off abruptly.

To improve heat transfer from the horse during exercise therapy pools are often kept at a cooler temperature than the surrounding air. Water allows the rapid removal of heat from an immersed body as a result of the comparative density of water to air. A therapy pool that is outside should be kept moderately lukewarm to prevent hypothermia in horses during the winter months.

Water quality and safety features are more important in a hydrotherapy program than the shape of the pool, although the shape will determine the form swimming will take. For example a horse will swim around the radius of a pool that is round.

A counter-current may be produced in these pools to give horses a greater resistance to movement. In a round pool the experienced horse can swim about two laps per minute although the amount of swimming in any program isn’t dictated by time or distance.

As the name implies, straight pools are similar to long lap pools. In these pools the horse swims in a straight line after walking into the pool. Depending on the horses condition the total time spent swimming will vary including the factor of medical history and program goals. One or two laps in a pool may be all that is accomplished with an inexperienced horse while other more experienced horses may go as may as ten.

Inquire about pool filtration and handling practices before and after swimming when it comes to finding a professional swimming facility for your horse. Request a list of references after asking about who is swimming the horse. If possible it is always a good idea to take a look at the pool and observe another horse swimming.

Pay attention to how the horse acts, are they exhausted or are they ready to go again. After having completed a swim a horse in a conditioning program will often look slightly winded although they may also have more spring in their step. Horse shouldn’t have their heads hanging and an exhausted appearance after swimming. Before starting a swimming regimen it is also important that you consult with your veterinarian.

Pond Bonding

You may be tempted to try your own swimming program if you live near an ocean, lake or pond. You should always swim parallel to shore just beyond the area where you horse can touch the bottom. This way should the horse become tired they can quickly reach the ground.

Look for a solid, non-slippery area to enter and exit the water when crossing bodies of water that require the horse to swim. Stay in the center of balance on the horse since slipping backwards can hamper the horses hindquarter thrust which affect their swimming action. To allow for proper breathing and balance in the water the horses head should always be free.

Avoid natural water sources during flood seasons and always be extremely cautious when crossing water alone. To prevent exhaustion you should always remember to keep swimming sessions short. For both you and your horse it should be a positive experience and not an exhausting one.